Borghese is the surname of a family of Italian noble an papal background, originating in Siena as the Borghese or Borghesi, where they came to prominence in the 13th century holding official offices under the commune. The head of the family, Marcantonio I moved to Rome in the 16th century and there, following the election (1605) of his son Camillo Borghese as Pope Paul V who was an unabashed nepotist, they rose in power and wealth.